Senate Committee Approves Marriage Equality Bill

Wilmington – Momentum for marriage equality continued in Delaware today, with the Senate Executive Committee passing a bill that gives loving, committed gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry. The bill, which the House of Representatives approved last month, now goes before the full Senate for a vote.

“Time and again over the past few weeks, lawmakers have affirmed the views of Delawareans in recognizing that the time for marriage equality is upon us,” said Lisa Goodman, Equality Delaware president. “We’re hopeful that Delaware soon will join nine other states in treating all citizens fairly and equally under the law. It's the right thing to do."

The committee passed the marriage bill after hearing compelling testimony from diverse Delawareans who spoke about why they supported the freedom to marry. Parents, veterans, faith leaders, the NAACP, and the DuPont Company were just some of those who spoke in support of the bill.

“Over the course of this campaign, we’ve seen powerful examples of Delawareans standing up and speaking out for equality,” added Goodman. “Those who testified today put a human face on the people whose lives will be positively impacted by the passage of this historic bill.”

The bill enjoys the support of a majority of Delawareans – 54 percent – as well as bipartisan backing in the House of Representatives. Governor Jack Markell has promised to sign the bill into law.